I have had a few original Lewis jackets in my time and noticed their bike specific jackets were a lot better leather than used today, especially the Bronx range.
Mentioned here is the Corsair, a semi bike/casual jacket. I had an original version of this around 10 years ago, I loved it though the hides was definitely thinner and softer with no heavy creasing as you get with an original Bronx. I did wear it on a bike, my old BSA A65 as I was brought up in those days when we were to fast to to live and to young to die, but I guess it would not get past the safety police if advertised as a motorcycle jacket today. The only real difference between an original and todays replica's being the badge, it was not there on the original jackets, so if you go for the authentic look, sorry I think Derek insists on all jackets having a visible label.
During the later 1960s and on to through 70s, most of the cheaper jacket makers used what was called 'Napper Lamb', a much softer and more fragile leather used, obviously to keep the price down. Is this what posters are describing as 'Sheepskin'? I have not seen many jackets advertised with sheepskin lining as in Aero's 'Thunder Bay' though some companies did make them. By fragile I mean a 70s jacket could go for 1 or 2 high speed spills but would not be in great condition after that, the only protection in the make up would be a little padding on the shoulders.
Lewis went on to take over many companies as motorcycling declined, Kett I believe was on who made a great looking jacket but in this atrocious sheep material. I have a 60s version with a gold satin lining than now is only good for a Hanger Queen as I use it to display my badge collection.
A good alternative to the Lewis is the https://www.goldtop.co.uk/product-page/the-1959 These are getting more popular and you can have pockets moved(I.e right chest to left, no Gold Top logo or yes to logo
) and the lining is gorgeous!
The napper lamb Kett.
Not as good as it looks, pin a badge to it and the top surface pulls away or simply tears. Waist strap stitch holes rear like postage stamp perforations. All zips work but with care. If you see it for sale don't buy it for the jacket, just the badges on it haha.
Mentioned here is the Corsair, a semi bike/casual jacket. I had an original version of this around 10 years ago, I loved it though the hides was definitely thinner and softer with no heavy creasing as you get with an original Bronx. I did wear it on a bike, my old BSA A65 as I was brought up in those days when we were to fast to to live and to young to die, but I guess it would not get past the safety police if advertised as a motorcycle jacket today. The only real difference between an original and todays replica's being the badge, it was not there on the original jackets, so if you go for the authentic look, sorry I think Derek insists on all jackets having a visible label.
During the later 1960s and on to through 70s, most of the cheaper jacket makers used what was called 'Napper Lamb', a much softer and more fragile leather used, obviously to keep the price down. Is this what posters are describing as 'Sheepskin'? I have not seen many jackets advertised with sheepskin lining as in Aero's 'Thunder Bay' though some companies did make them. By fragile I mean a 70s jacket could go for 1 or 2 high speed spills but would not be in great condition after that, the only protection in the make up would be a little padding on the shoulders.
Lewis went on to take over many companies as motorcycling declined, Kett I believe was on who made a great looking jacket but in this atrocious sheep material. I have a 60s version with a gold satin lining than now is only good for a Hanger Queen as I use it to display my badge collection.
A good alternative to the Lewis is the https://www.goldtop.co.uk/product-page/the-1959 These are getting more popular and you can have pockets moved(I.e right chest to left, no Gold Top logo or yes to logo
) and the lining is gorgeous!The napper lamb Kett.
Not as good as it looks, pin a badge to it and the top surface pulls away or simply tears. Waist strap stitch holes rear like postage stamp perforations. All zips work but with care. If you see it for sale don't buy it for the jacket, just the badges on it haha.
